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Living and Working in Puerto Rico

Kristen  Scott our consultant managing the role
Posted by Kristen Scott
Published on 29 August 2025

Puerto Rico is a Caribbean island located to the east of the Dominican Republic and west of the Virgin Islands. Though it’s not a country in the traditional sense, Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States, meaning it has its own local government but remains under U.S. jurisdiction. The island blends Spanish colonial heritage with American influence, offering a unique cultural mix, vibrant cities, lush rainforests, and stunning coastlines.

While Spanish is the dominant language, English is also widely spoken, especially in business and tourism. Most locals around touristic areas such as Old San Juan, will speak a mixture of both Spanish and English, also known as ‘Spanglish’.

Explore the culture and community

Old San Juan is a dream for anyone who loves a bit of history with their sunshine. The cobbled streets wind past brightly coloured colonial buildings, and you’ll stumble across El Morro, a 16th-century fort with sweeping views over the Atlantic. If you’re craving greenery, El Yunque National Forest is a beautiful escape. The rainforest trails are lush and full of surprises with hidden waterfalls, tropical birds, and lookout points that make the climb worth it. Then there’s Mosquito Bay on Vieques, where the water literally glows at night thanks to bioluminescent plankton. When it’s time to unwind, Flamenco Beach in Culebra is the spot, white sand, turquoise water, and just enough quiet to make you forget the rest of the world exists.

Living and working in Puerto Rico

Living and working in Puerto Rico offers a unique blend of professional opportunity and laid-back island life. The island is home to a growing number of international companies, particularly in the pharmaceutical, biotech, and manufacturing sectors, making it an attractive destination for skilled professionals. English is widely spoken in the workplace, and the business culture is a mix of American structure and Caribbean warmth.

Outside of work, life slows down. There are countless sandy beaches, rainforest and evenings filled with music, great food, and community spirit. With a lower cost of living than many mainland cities, no visa requirements for U.S. citizens, and year-round sunshine, Puerto Rico is an ideal location that offers two opposing lifestyles. 

Life Sciences Industry in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico offers a strong foundation for building a career in life sciences, thanks to its well-established pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, skilled workforce, and supportive government policies. The island has been a leading bioscience hub for over 65 years, earning the reputation of the ‘Medicine Cabinet of the USA’.

Puerto Rico plays a vital role in the global pharmaceutical supply chain, generating over $50 billion annually in exports and delivering essential medications to both U.S. and international markets. As the industry evolves toward more efficient and high-quality production, the island presents a strategic opportunity for companies aiming to scale.

With a highly skilled workforce, attractive tax incentives, and state-of-the-art manufacturing infrastructure, Puerto Rico offers an optimal setting for pharmaceutical firms seeking to enhance product quality, while driving down operational costs and showcasing a vibrant yet professional community.


Finding a Job in Puerto Rico

Finding life sciences jobs in the market can sometimes feel challenging. In such a situation, QCS Staffing has your back! We have a variety of job positions for your qualifications, all from credible employers, so you can kickstart your career without any hassle! Waste no time and send us your resume today.